76ers' miserable health continues with guard's injury

Injuries derailed the Philadelphia 76ers' the 2024-25 season. Sixers players missed a combined 519 games due to injuries last season. Four weeks before the new season starts, they've lost another key player.

76ers already have an injury concern

Jared McCain, the No. 16 pick in the 2024 draft, suffered a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb during a workout Thursday, one that may keep him out through the beginning of the regular season and beyond.

McCain was one of the rare bright spots for the Sixers last year — for 23 games. That's when McCain tore his meniscus, an injury that kept him out for the remainder of the regular season. Before he hurt his knee, McCain averaged 15.3 points per game and shot 38.3 percent from three-point range, becoming a key part of the Sixers rotation.

It's not clear how severe McCain's ligament tear was, if he'll require surgery or how long he'll be out. But coupled with the uncertain status of stars Paul George and Joel Embiid, who had knee surgeries in July and February, respectively, it means the 76ers may again start the season short-handed. It also provides some extra urgency to work out a deal with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who is still away from the team while negotiations continue.

The injury coincidentally came after McCain posted a video of himself pretending to struggle lifting an eight-pound dumbbell with his left hand — the same hand that's now injured.